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There's nothing "wrong" with the PSS shaft seal -- you just have to know how to use it --- like so many other things on a sailboat. I've had the PSS shaft seal on BR for over 10 years with no problems.

Sailors, like astronauts, have to do things the right way. The use of the set screws is one the things you have to get right if you use the PSS SS. It's not rocket science -- you just have to read and follow the directions.

I appreciate your desire for robust gear, but that said: if you want to abuse the gear on your boat, go ahead. If you want to install it incorrectly, that's your call. If you want to use it to failure, be my guest. But I wouldn't be surprised if you were one day the victim of multiple, minor but progressive component failures that leads ultimately to catastrophy.

MaineSailor knows of what he speaks. The only thing I didn't see in his excellent post was the mention of use of Loctite thread locker on the second (outer) of the two lock screws. You shouldn't use it on the inner set screw because some of it might leak between the shaft and the collar making the collar very difficult to remove. That's another common mistake made by the inexperienced 18 year olds that work in boat yards (you know, the ones that flunked out of sub school). But, you'd know that, if you read the directions.

PS -- I spent a few years in the Navy, and IMO the 18 year old on a Navy submarine is a highly trained individual regardless of his rate.

PPS -- one of the things that I do to alert me to any movement of either the rubber compression collar and the SS ring-around-the-shaft is to make marks with a black magic market on the stern tube where the rubber compression collar meets the stern tube and where the SS ring-around-the-shaft meets the shaft. If either of these marks disappears then I know something is moving and needs attention. I have a look at these marks every day during my pre-start checks of the engine space.

Sorry you do not recognize a little sarcasm, little hard to convey maybe on the internet. My point is that no matter how smart and skilled an 18 year old is, there are certain things only experience will teach you. Don't worry about me abusing my equipment, I don't, but I design and build so if I do, it will keep going. Never had a failure yet, but then again I keep an eye on things, and being a licensed mechanical engineer with many years of hands on experience in designing, building, testing and maintaining anything from a hydro-electric plants to a submarines help. The navy would never have a little plastic hose fitting holding back the sea.

12-29-2012 06:53 PM

Melrna

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

I too have had that same discussion with Mr Gerry Douglas of Catalina and the sales manager of PSS about their dripless system. What Mr Douglas relayed to me was failure of the bellows due to overheating when there is no water in the shaft tube to cool down the bellow while the shaft is turning. This lack of water can come from a launch of vessel, air bubble getting into the shaft and creating a air lock or obstruction getting into the shaft log and not letting in water (think crap pot lines, fishing line, etc.). The sales manager confirmed this problem with me and demonstrated it at the Ft Lauderdale boat show last year.
There is a big difference between power boat vs sailboat applications due the difference in RPM's the shaft turns. The PSS dripless system likes higher RPM's vs slow RPM's of sailboat shafts. Furthermore, how some folks think that slow RPM's (1800-2200) on their diesels are good for it (another subject another thread) hence even slower rotation on the shaft. This is where the vent tube comes into play. Careful installation is required here as well as the set screws. If the tube blocks up in any way the bellows can overheat as well.
BTW I have the PSS system on my current boat. It has worked flawless in over 4 years. What I don't like and it makes me nervous is when I move the shaft out of alignment by hand or foot I get water out. I was told this is normal. Not so sure about that.

12-29-2012 01:36 PM

eherlihy

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

Regarding the lock-tite on the PSS set screws;
I installed my first PSS shaft seal last spring. ALL (6 - 2 spares) of the set screws had thread locking applied to the threads when I opened the box.

12-29-2012 12:46 PM

dorymate1

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

For all of you stuck on the traditional packing box. A couple of notes. When packing is continually tightened over time the shaft will be grooved at this point. I have witnessed broken shafts that feel out of boats because of this. It does cause a little more than a drip I promise. Also have seen many log hoses replaced with exhaust/ water hose and rusty clamps that just fall off. No matter witch systems you use always check your shaft log before leaving your vessel will go a long way to piece of mind. When ever you leave a boat always check bilges and listen for running water Then and only then can you continue to lose sleep over her for every reason.

12-29-2012 11:42 AM

T37Chef

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

Maine Sail...I tried "Like" your post several times but couldn't We have had a PSS Dripless for several years with no problems.

Some keys points MS and others have outlines for a proper install:
- use a shaft collar either from PSS or McMaster Carr
- only use your set screws once
- only use locktite on the second set screw, not the first
- follow the maintenance intervals
- read the install directions well

Well you are down in Mexico, so at least you don't need a prescription!

12-27-2012 04:04 PM

zeehag

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

miata paul--i wish there were a pill for my mounts..LOL

12-26-2012 04:29 PM

SantaAna12

Re: Dripless Shaft Seal versus Stuffing Box

2nd the comment on Submariners. I remember one of them lining me out on the process of becoming an officer on a nuclear sub.....the knowledge of all major systems on these ships.....we are in good hands.

mark--beneteaus are good--seems those with them ar ehappy--same with formosas--woul dlove a cuddle from ye, hombre guapo--
as for formosas with leaky stuffing boxes--yipes--seems to be a common problem with our boats---our modification was to cut a fender into strip of rubber, wrap the failing fitting with this mod and hose clamp it to the stuffing box. yes, it still pours water into boat, so isnt the needed fix....still looking. i have to pump out the bilge 2 times daily, until the boat has sat for 4 days, then only once daily... mine is also due to some engine mount problems, as well as good old "old age"....--seems mine are too soft, and require some manner of stiffening. that will be attended to in feb, first repair on my list. am searching for the most compatible haul yard in my way as i sail on to panama....huatulco seems like a decent idea , or acapulco, altho' i feel acapulco may just be a tad pricey....

sounds like a few of us....

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